Cusco: 4-Day Lares Trek to Machu Picchu with Panoramic Train
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Hiking
Hike through Andean valleys, lakes, and soaring peaks, encountering Quechua villages along the way. Soak in the Lares hot springs, explore ancient Inca sites, before reaching Machu Picchu.
Highlights
- Meet weaving communities and support women-run cooperatives.
- Relax in the natural hot springs of Lares with mountain views.
- Trek the scenic Lares route and experience the magic of Machu Picchu
- Discover the salt mines of Maras and the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo
- Take in breathtaking valley views aboard the panoramic Vistadome train
Description
Day 1: Cusco - Lares Hot Springs - Blue Lagoon
Start with an early pickup from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, then explore Calca’s vibrant market and the ancient Inca site of Ancashmarca. Head to a high plateau to see the rare Puyas de Raimondi, then unwind in the Lares Hot Springs with mountain views and breakfast. Visit a weaving cooperative to learn Andean textile traditions before driving to Pampacorral. Begin your hike through alpaca-dotted valleys and potato fields, stopping in Kiswarani for a fresh lunch. Follow the waterfall to the Blue Lagoon campsite at 3,900 m, where coca tea, dinner, and stargazing await.
Day 2: Blue Lagoon - Condor Pass - Cancha Cancha Village
Wake up to coca tea or coffee at your tent, followed by breakfast. Begin a steady climb through valleys with lakes and Andean wildlife. Reach Condor Pass at 4,750 m for sweeping views of snowy peaks and turquoise lagoons. Take part in a traditional offering ceremony before descending. Enjoy a hot lunch in Acopata, then hike through scenic valleys with llamas and alpacas. Arrive at Canchacancha village (3,750 m), meet local families, and learn a few Quechua phrases. End the day with dinner and mountain views.
Day 3: Campsite - Sacred Valley - Salineras Maras - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu Pueblo
Start your day with breakfast and mountain views, then explore Canchacancha village, visiting homes and the school, with a chance to donate supplies. Begin a scenic 4-hour downhill hike into the Sacred Valley, passing from potato fields to corn and avocado crops. Arrive in Huaran (2,700 m) for a picnic lunch and say goodbye to your muleteers and chef. Continue by private van to the Salineras of Maras to learn about traditional salt harvesting. Discover Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town, before dining and boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel.
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco
On your final day, begin with an early breakfast at the hotel before catching the bus to Machu Picchu, arriving just as the sun rises over the citadel. Pause at iconic viewpoints for breathtaking panoramic photos, then join your guide for a 2–3 hour walking tour through the site’s most fascinating landmarks. Discover the ingenuity of Inca engineering, rich history, and daily life. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and leisure time, then board the scenic Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private transfer brings you back to Cusco by evening.
Includes
Pre-tour safety briefing and complimentary luggage storage in Cusco
Guided experience led by a certified professional tour guide
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Maras Salt Mines and Lares Hot Springs
Hotel pickup & drop-off, round-trip bus to MachuPicchu and Vistadome return train
02 nights of scenic camping and 01 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel
Skilled trekking chefs providing 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
Horses and muleteers to transport food and equipment
Personal duffle bag (up to 7kg/11lb) carried by muleteers for your camping gear
Important Information
- Please advise of any special dietary needs at time of booking.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Passport details must be provided at time of booking.
Easy cancellation
This activity is non-refundable